Holiday Systems International User Group
San Francisco:
San Francisco has been voted the Number one U.S. city in the Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards for 16 years straight. With so much to do and see, you can easily spend a week on the go taking in the sites and sounds of this world class city. But what if you only have a day to do the Bay?
Start the day at the Ferry Building, which is stuffed with tempting produce, cafés, and artisan treats. Nab a little something for breakfast, and then take the California line cable car uphill to Chinatown. Walk along Grant Avenue and Stockton Street, peeking into mysterious herb apothecaries, live-seafood stores, and sweet-smelling tea shops before having a dim sum lunch or a steamed-bun snack.
Then head to North Beach for an espresso and pastry at one of the classic outdoor cafés. The Italian delis, bakeries, and pasta houses are worth visiting even if you can't eat another bite. Get your appetite back by making your way uphill to Coit Tower for sweeping views of the bay. (Climbing the steep stairways is a tough but scenically stunning way to do this.)
Work the Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf and the surrounding attractions may be touristy with a capital T, but there are some fun experiences to be had. Set out for Alcatraz or check out the hundreds of sea lions basking on floating platforms next to the pier. As tempting as it might be to dine on the water, most Fisherman's Wharf restaurants have less-than-spectacular food (Ana Mandara is an exception). A better and cheaper option is to pick up some to-go Dungeness crab from one of the outdoor vendors and eat as you stroll along the waterfront.
Start the day at the Ferry Building, which is stuffed with tempting produce, cafés, and artisan treats. Nab a little something for breakfast, and then take the California line cable car uphill to Chinatown. Walk along Grant Avenue and Stockton Street, peeking into mysterious herb apothecaries, live-seafood stores, and sweet-smelling tea shops before having a dim sum lunch or a steamed-bun snack.
Then head to North Beach for an espresso and pastry at one of the classic outdoor cafés. The Italian delis, bakeries, and pasta houses are worth visiting even if you can't eat another bite. Get your appetite back by making your way uphill to Coit Tower for sweeping views of the bay. (Climbing the steep stairways is a tough but scenically stunning way to do this.)
Work the Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf and the surrounding attractions may be touristy with a capital T, but there are some fun experiences to be had. Set out for Alcatraz or check out the hundreds of sea lions basking on floating platforms next to the pier. As tempting as it might be to dine on the water, most Fisherman's Wharf restaurants have less-than-spectacular food (Ana Mandara is an exception). A better and cheaper option is to pick up some to-go Dungeness crab from one of the outdoor vendors and eat as you stroll along the waterfront.
Find the Funky Neighborhoods
Ride the antique trolleys to the western end of the F-line in the Castro. Stroll down Castro Street, past the art deco Castro Theatre, window-shopping and stopping at any café that tempts you. Head east on 16th Street to Dolores Street and Mission Dolores, and wander rows of centuries-old gravestones in its tiny cemetery.
Then hit the "Valencia Corridor" (Valencia Street between 16th and 24th streets), dipping into political bookstores, hipster cafés, and quirky shops. Seek out the area's vibrant, often politically charged murals, either on your own or on a tour with the Precita Eyes organization. Stay in the Mission for dinner and drinks; this is one of the city's best restaurant neighborhoods.
San Francisco Top 10 Sights:
Golden Gate Bridge
Japanese Tea Garden
Exploratorium
Fisherman's Wharf
Alcatraz
Cable Cars
Chinatown
North Beach
Alamo Square
Red-and-White Ferry
Ride the antique trolleys to the western end of the F-line in the Castro. Stroll down Castro Street, past the art deco Castro Theatre, window-shopping and stopping at any café that tempts you. Head east on 16th Street to Dolores Street and Mission Dolores, and wander rows of centuries-old gravestones in its tiny cemetery.
Then hit the "Valencia Corridor" (Valencia Street between 16th and 24th streets), dipping into political bookstores, hipster cafés, and quirky shops. Seek out the area's vibrant, often politically charged murals, either on your own or on a tour with the Precita Eyes organization. Stay in the Mission for dinner and drinks; this is one of the city's best restaurant neighborhoods.
San Francisco Top 10 Sights:
Golden Gate Bridge
Japanese Tea Garden
Exploratorium
Fisherman's Wharf
Alcatraz
Cable Cars
Chinatown
North Beach
Alamo Square
Red-and-White Ferry
